Definition

Noun: 1. An indirect and often unintended consequence or effect of an event or action: A result that occurs later or in a different area, typically negative or significant. 2. A movement or force rebounding or echoing back from a surface; a reverberation: A physical reflection, such as of sound or impact.

Examples

• As an indirect consequence:
  • The new law had serious repercussions for small businesses.
  • He didn't consider the political repercussions of his statement.
• As a rebounding force or sound:
  • The repercussion of the explosion was felt miles away.
  • The repercussion of the waves against the cliff was deafening.

Advanced Usage

• "To have repercussions": To cause a series of indirect consequences.
  • The scandal is likely to have repercussions across the entire industry.
• "To face the repercussions": To experience or deal with the consequences of one's actions.
  • If you break the rules, you must be prepared to face the repercussions.

Variants and Related Words

• Repercussive (adj): Having the nature of a repercussion; tending to rebound or cause indirect effects.
  • The decision had a repercussive impact on international relations.

Synonyms

• Consequence: A result or effect of an action or condition.
• Ramification: A complex or unwelcome consequence of an action or event.
• Aftermath: The consequences or after-effects of a significant unpleasant event.
• Backlash: A strong negative reaction by a large number of people.
• Reverberation: A continuing effect; a resonance.

Antonyms

• Cause: A person or thing that gives rise to an action, phenomenon, or condition.
• Origin: The point or place where something begins.

Related Phrases

• Chain reaction: A series of events where each causes the next, often used similarly to describe escalating repercussions.
  • The bank's failure set off a chain reaction with global repercussions.
• Ripple effect: The continuing and spreading results of an event or action.
  • The policy change created a ripple effect, with repercussions felt in every department.

Noun

1. a movement back from an impact
2. a remote or indirect consequence of some action
   • his declaration had unforeseen repercussions
   • reverberations of the market crash were felt years later